Tonics as well as herbs can be helpful in treating arthritis. Circulatory tonics such as yarrow, hawthorn, rosemary and ginkgo are worth considering for internal use. They provide a gentle increase of blood flow in tissues surrounding arthritic joints, so muscles remain oxygenated and more flexible.
Here is a basic tonic formula for arthritic animals. Ingredients can be changed, added to and proportioned to serve the specific needs of your animal. The arthritis relief compress that follows might also help relieve the pain of arthritis.
Systemic Support Formula for Chronic Arthritis
Combine the following either as dried herbs or tinctures:
2 parts alfalfa
1 part dandelion root
1 part parsley root
1 part cleavers or calendula
This formula can be used as a dry herb food supplement. If you do choose to use dry herbs instead of tinctures, use calendula instead of cleavers, because cleavers is almost useless after it is dried. An appropriate dose is 1 tablespoon mixed into food daily for each 30 pounds of the animal's body weight. This combination is safe for dogs, cats, horses and most other mammals and can be given over an extended period with no ill side effects.
Arthritis Relief Compress
3 parts dried willow bark
3 parts dried comfrey leaf
3 parts dried yarrow
1 part powdered cayenne
Not for use on cats
To make this compress, first make a decoction from the willow bark by gently simmering in enough water to cover it for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, but do not drain. While the water is still hot, add the three other ingredients. Mix thoroughly, adding just enough boiling water to make a thick paste. Let the mixture stand until it is cool enough to handle but still hot. The poultice is now ready to use as a compress.
To make a compress, wrap the wet poultice in a piece of clean cloth, allowing the liquid to freely soak through the cloth. Wrap the compress on the affected body part and secure with knots.
After applying the compress, check it after about five minutes to ensure that the cayenne is not causing excessive irritation to the animal's skin. If it is, remove the compress and either use less cayenne or remove it from the formula (make a new batch). For best results, the compress should be left on for an hour.
Of course, nutrition is the crux of any of the holistic healing modalities and is the most important factor in the prevention of arthritis. Many times changing to a raw-food diet helps the animal and obviates more drastic measures.
Some animals benefit from occasional chiropractic adjustments from a qualified holistic vet who is trained in the proper manipulation of an animal's spine. Acupuncture may also help many arthritic animals who are in pain.
About the Authors:Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford are the coauthors of All You Ever Wanted to Know about Herbs for Pets, and the founders of the Animals' Apawthecary (a company that produces low-alcohol herb tinctures for dogs and cats).
From All You Ever Wanted to Know About Herbs for Pets by Mary L. Wulff-Tilford and Gregory L. Tilford. Copyright 1999 by BowTie Press. Published by and reprinted with permission of BowTie Press.
The information provided here is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be relied on as medical advice for your pet, or in lieu of consultation with your own veterinarian. We urge you to always consult your veterinarian for specific advice and diagnoses concerning your pet.
